Best VPNs for HBO Max: Navigate geo-restrictions

HBO Max is a popular streaming service offering enjoyable shows such as The Sopranos, Band of Brothers, and The Penguin. However, HBO Max isn’t available everywhere.

Luckily, with the help of a VPN, this geographic restriction can be bypassed. VPNs can route your internet connection through a secure third-party server, allowing you to enjoy HBO Max from anywhere. It also encrypts your connection and masks your identity online.

With that being said, not all VPNs are created equally and finding the right provider can be incredibly time-consuming. Fortunately, I have tested out the best providers in detail below. If you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick summary.

The best VPNs for HBO Max:

1. NordVPN: My top choice for HBO Max. It’s fast and has servers in many different countries. It also offers strong encryption and good advanced features, such as a kill switch. On top of all of this, the VPN comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Offers the best value for money. It gives users an unlimited number of connections while offering fast connection speeds with thousands of servers in 100+ countries.
3. ExpressVPN: A solid option when it comes to streaming. It offers users very fast connection speeds and is a reliable choice for bypassing blocked streaming services.
4. IPVanish: Excellent choice for streaming. It has thousands of servers in 75+ locations around the world and allows unlimited simultaneous connections.
5. CyberGhost VPN: A great option for bypassing restrictions thanks to its large network of servers. It also has specialized servers for different purposes.
6. PrivateVPN: Solid provider when it comes to privacy. It has servers in around 60+ countries and can unblock many different services.
7. Proton VPN: Ideal for those looking to get around HBO Max geographical restrictions. It is good for beginners and has strong customer support.

When you are using a VPN to unblock a streaming service such as HBO Max, you will need a top-tier VPN. That’s why the VPNs I have selected here offer the following capabilities:

• Fast connection speeds
• Ability to unblock streaming services
• Good server network
• Strong security measures
• Ease of use

You can read more information about the criteria I used in choosing the best VPNs in the testing methodology section later in this article.

Best VPNs for HBO Max

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at my top VPN picks for HBO Max in more detail, so you can watch your favorite shows no matter where you are in the world.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN’s blazing-fast server network consists of over 6,500 servers spread across 111+ countries. The provider’s fast connection speeds mean that it is an excellent option for streaming. In addition to HBO Max, it is also able to provide secure access to popular platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

Several powerful security features are also in place. These include 256-bit AES encryption, an app-specific kill switch, an automatic ad-blocker, a malware scanner, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks.

This is also supplemented by NordVPN’s strong privacy standards. It makes a point of not storing any logs and also accepts cryptocurrency payments – these payments don’t associate users’ names with payments, unlike traditional credit cards.

Users have the option to download NordVPN on several different operating systems. These include macOS, iOS, Linux, Windows, and Android. Routers can also be manually configured to work with this service. Users can connect 10 of their devices to this service simultaneously and the customer support team can be reached 24/7.

Pros:

• Fast connection speeds – great for streaming applications
• Strong security measures keep users protected
• No logs are stored
• Apps are available for many different platforms
• The customer support team is available 24/7

Cons:

• The desktop app can be slow at times

BEST VPN FOR HBO MAX:NordVPN is my number one choice. It has a large server network and offers fast streaming speeds. Its global network of over 6500 servers also makes it easy for users to access geographically restricted streaming services. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to try the service risk-free.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is hard to beat when it comes to the affordability of its plans. However, this doesn’t mean that this service skimps on quality. It has a network that consists of over 3,200 servers, spread across 100+ countries. The server network is fast and secure, unblocking many different services with ease – including HBO Max.

The provider also has strong security measures in place, including 256-bit AES encryption, and protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. There is also a kill switch in place and traffic scrambling. Plus, Surfshark supports cryptocurrency payments and stores no logs.

Surfshark apps are available for Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS, and some routers can have this VPN manually installed on them. Surfshark offers an unlimited number of simultaneous connections, which is a great option for users with loads of different devices. The customer support team is available 24/7.

Pros:

• Very affordably priced
• Fast connection speeds
• Strong security measures
• Unlimited number of connections
• Cryptocurrency payments are supported

Cons:

• Some servers can occasionally be slow

BEST BUDGET VPN FOR HBO MAX:Surfshark is an affordable VPN option that doesn’t skimp on performance. In addition, it can handle streaming services without buffering and offers an unlimited number of simultaneous connections. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a proven choice that offers very fast streaming speeds and the ability to bypass blocked streaming services such as HBO Max. It has more than 3,000 servers in 100+ countries and is easy to use, making it a good option for VPN beginners.

The provider also has strong security measures in place. These include 256-bit AES encryption, perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks.

In addition to the regular ExpressVPN site, this provider also has a .onion site in place which can only be accessed via the anonymous TOR network. The TOR network protects identities by routing connections to websites through a series of encrypted nodes.

Apps are available for Linux, Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Manual installation is possible on specific wireless routers.

Pros:

• Fast connection speeds
• Can unblock top-tier streaming services
• Strong privacy measures such as .onion site and acceptance of cryptocurrency
• Excellent security measures in place such as encryption

Cons:

• More expensive than some other options

GREAT VPN OPTION FOR STREAMING HBO Max:ExpressVPN is one of the best providers for streaming and bypassing geographical restrictions on streaming services. It has fast servers and strong security and privacy measures, such as 256-bit AES encryption.

4. IPVanish

IPVanish has a proven track record as a good VPN for streaming services. This is evident from its heavy use in the Kodi community. It is also a solid option for streaming services such as HBO Max and Amazon Prime Video.

Security features including 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks are included with this service. A traffic scrambling option is also available and no logs are stored.

IPVanish has apps available for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire Stick, and Amazon Fire TV. It can also be manually set up on some routers and Linux. It supports an unlimited number of simultaneous connections and live chat is available 24/7 should you encounter any issues.

Pros:

• Fast connection speeds
• Unlimited number of connections allowed
• No logs are stored
• Great option for torrenters and Kodi users

Cons:

• Some servers don’t work with Netflix
• Apps don’t work in China

UNLIMITED NUMBER OF CONNECTIONS:IPVanish offers fast speeds and supports an unlimited number of simultaneous connections. This is suitable for those who may want to stream from abroad and have a lot of devices. IPVanish offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN has a very large number of servers, with a network consisting of over 11,000 servers in 100+ countries. It can unblock services such as HBO Max, Amazon Prime, and Netflix effortlessly. Its connection speeds are also fast, with optimized servers for activities such as gaming and streaming.

Strong security measures are in place, which include protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. This provider also has 256-bit AES encryption and no logs are stored. Plus, a kill switch is included that stops your IP address from being leaked if your VPN becomes disconnected. CyberGhost also accepts cryptocurrency payments.

Apps are available for macOS, Linux, Windows, Android, and iOS. Some routers can also be manually configured to work with this service. The customer support team is available 24/7 and seven simultaneous connections are supported.

Pros:

• Apps are easy to use
• 24/7 live chat service is provided
• Huge server network spread across a large number of countries
• Strong security and privacy measures

Cons:

• Blocked in the UAE and China
• Torrenting and P2P may not work on all servers

LARGE SERVER NETWORK:CyberGhost has a network that consists of over 11,000 servers. This very large network gives users many different options for bypassing geographical restrictions. It also offers strong security measures and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a smaller VPN provider with over 200 servers in 63+ countries. It can unblock many different services and the level of quality offered is quite high. Streaming speeds are also very fast, making it a great choice for HBO Max.

The provider has several security measures in place. These include 256-bit AES encryption, protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks, and no logs are stored either. This provider accepts cryptocurrency payments allowing for greater anonymity.

PrivateVPN apps can be downloaded for several platforms. These include Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Some routers and Linux devices can be manually configured to work with this service.

It should be noted that PrivateVPN customer service agents can only be reached during regular business hours in Sweden. The quality of customer service is, however, excellent. 10 devices can be connected simultaneously with this service.

Pros:

• Can unblock many different services
• Fast connection speeds
• No logs are stored
• Works in China

Cons:

• Customer support not available 24/7
• Small server network

PRIVACY-FOCUSED VPN:PrivateVPN is a security-focused service. It has strong encryption in place and no logs are stored. Connection speeds are fast too. Many services can be unblocked with this service and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

7. Proton VPN

Proton VPN is a solid service that provides access to over 9,000 servers in 112+ countries. Users can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. It also comes with a CLI app that is open-source.

The provider is a secure option for VPN users, with 256-bit AES encryption, no logs stored, leak protection, and a kill switch.

ProtonVPN is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Unfortunately, Proton VPN doesn’t offer live chat support, but it does come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

• Strong security
• Accesses HBO Max
• Works for torrenting

Cons:

• No live chat support available
• Could be more user-friendly

GREAT LINUX OPTION:Proton VPN can unblock many different services, has strong security, and is a great Linux option. It even offers a CLI app and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Testing methodology: how I chose the best VPNs for HBO Max

Many different VPN services are available. However, they aren’t always created equally. I reviewed many different VPNs that were potentially suitable in the hope of finding the best.

Here are some of the factors I considered while finding the best VPNs for HBO Max:

• Servers: The greater the number of servers the better. HBO Max is available in territories such as Europe, Asia, and the US. Servers in these countries and more enable users to have different options when connecting to HBO Max.
• Ability to unblock services: Not all VPNs are capable of unblocking services like HBO Max. Some services block VPNs, which is why top-tier VPNs are needed.
• Security: VPNs can provide protection in different scenarios. This includes protection on open WiFi networks – masking your identity in the online environment.
• Speed: Fast connection speeds are necessary, especially when using streaming services.

We thoroughly test VPNs before recommending them. Find out more about this process in our VPN testing methodology article.

How to unblock HBO Max with a VPN

If you’re looking to unblock HBO Max with a VPN, follow these steps:

1. First, you will need to sign up for a top-tier VPN. I recommend NordVPN.
2. Next, download and install it on the machine you will be watching HBO Max on.
3. Now, you can run the VPN app and connect to a server in one of the supported locations for HBO Max (such as the US or Finland).
4. Now, you will need to sign up for HBO Max.
5. Start using HBO Max!

If you encounter issues watching HBO Max, you can try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies. You can also try a different VPN server. If this fails, you can contact your VPN’s customer support.

Best VPNs for HBO Max FAQs